Buried with Christ…

Jesus was baptized Mt 3:14-17 Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized in order to “fulfill all righteousness” Mt 3:14-17 Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized in order to “fulfill all righteousness” Mt 28:19 Jesus established baptism as an eternal ordinance for His church, calling every believer to follow in His footsteps. Mt 28:19 Jesus established baptism as an eternal ordinance for His church, calling every believer to follow in His footsteps. “Most Westerners take baptism for granted, but for many in the world the act requires immense courage. In countries like Nepal it once meant imprisonment. For Soviet, Chinese or Eastern bloc believers, it was like signing their own death warrant.” ~Charles Colson~ “Most Westerners take baptism for granted, but for many in the world the act requires immense courage. In countries like Nepal it once meant imprisonment. For Soviet, Chinese or Eastern bloc believers, it was like signing their own death warrant.” ~Charles Colson~

More than a symbol The world understands symbols (wedding bands, military uniforms, baptism) The world understands symbols (wedding bands, military uniforms, baptism) Gal 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Gal 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 1Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” 1Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” Eph 5:26; Hb 10:22 – Baptism represents inner cleansing Eph 5:26; Hb 10:22 – Baptism represents inner cleansing

Baptism is actually a funeral Rm 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death; in order that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too should walk in newness of life.” Rm 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death; in order that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too should walk in newness of life.” Col 2:12 “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Col 2:12 “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

Baptism is not optional Mark 16:16 “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16 “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Acts 2:38 “Repent & be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins & you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 “Repent & be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins & you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:26-40 Philip leads the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ Acts 8:26-40 Philip leads the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ Act 22:16 Paul is told to be baptized as the first thing after his conversion. Act 22:16 Paul is told to be baptized as the first thing after his conversion.

Other examples of baptism Acts 10:46-48; 16:14-15; 16:33; 18:8; 19: 1-5. Acts 10:46-48; 16:14-15; 16:33; 18:8; 19: 1-5. Notice the sense of urgency these people had. They came with simple faith, but didn’t see their faith as complete until they obeyed God and were baptized. Notice the sense of urgency these people had. They came with simple faith, but didn’t see their faith as complete until they obeyed God and were baptized. Mt 7:21; Lk 6:46; 1 Jn 2:3-4 - A living faith produces an obedient heart Mt 7:21; Lk 6:46; 1 Jn 2:3-4 - A living faith produces an obedient heart Jesus calls us to identify with Him in a way that makes our faith and His saving grace real to us (and to the world around us). Jesus calls us to identify with Him in a way that makes our faith and His saving grace real to us (and to the world around us).

A final thought 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral & spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come” ~Amplified Bible~ 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral & spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come” ~Amplified Bible~